Iprtropium Bromide
Trade names: Atrovent
Action:
Antimuscarinic bronchodilators
Drug classes
• Anticholinergic
• Antimuscarinic agent
• Parasympatholytic
Pregnancy:
(Category B) Therapeutic
actions
• Anticholinergic, chemically related to atropine, which blocks
vagally mediated reflexes by antagonizing the action of acetylcholine.
Indications
•
Bronchodilator for
maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD (solution, aerosol)
• Symptomatic relief of rhinorrhea associated with perennial
rhinitis, common cold (nasal spray)
Contraindications/cautions
•
Contraindications:
hypersensitivity to atropine or its derivatives, acute episodes of
bronchospasm.
• Use cautiously with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic
hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, pregnancy, lactation.
Dose:
§ By inhalation of nebulised solution, 100–500 micrograms up to 4
times daily;
§ CHILD 1 month–3 years 62.5–250 micrograms up to 3 times daily
[unlicensed];
§ 3–14 years 100–500 micrograms up to 3 times daily.
Adverse effects
§ CNS: Nervousness, dizziness,
headache, fatigue, insomnia, blurred vision
§ GI: Nausea, GI distress, dry
mouth
§ Respiratory: Cough, exacerbation
of symptoms, hoarseness
§ Other: Palpitations, rash
Nursing Considerations
§ Protect solution for inhalation from light. Store unused vials
in foil pouch.
§ Ensure adequate hydration; provide environmental control
(temperature) to prevent hyperpyrexia.
§ Have patient void before taking medication to avoid urinary
retention.
§ Teach patient proper use of inhalator.
